How To Make Perfect Bacon In The Air Fryer: A Step-by-step Guide

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, and bacon is no exception. With its ability to crisp up bacon without the splatter and mess of traditional frying, the air fryer has become a bacon-lover’s dream. But if you’re new to the world of air fryer bacon, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to cook perfect bacon in your air fryer.

Choosing the Right Bacon

The type of bacon you choose will greatly impact the final product. For air frying, it’s best to use thick-cut bacon with a good amount of fat. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Preparing the Bacon

Before you air fry your bacon, it’s important to prepare it properly. Remove the bacon from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the bacon cook more evenly.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes. This will help to ensure that the bacon cooks quickly and evenly.

Cooking the Bacon

Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the bacon from cooking evenly.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for bacon in an air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of crispiness. As a general guideline, cook for:

• Thin-cut bacon: 7-9 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon: 10-12 minutes

Checking for Doneness

Use a pair of tongs to carefully check the bacon for doneness. The bacon should be cooked to your desired level of crispiness. If the bacon is not cooked enough, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Draining the Bacon

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. This will help to remove any excess grease.

Serving the Bacon

Air-fried bacon is delicious on its own, but it can also be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Try adding it to salads, sandwiches, burgers, or breakfast burritos.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon

• Use fresh bacon: Fresh bacon will cook more evenly and taste better than bacon that has been frozen.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the bacon from cooking evenly.
• Cook in batches: If you have a lot of bacon to cook, cook it in batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Watch the bacon closely: Bacon can cook quickly in an air fryer, so it’s important to watch it closely to prevent overcooking.
• Enjoy immediately: Air-fried bacon is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

Bacon Variations

In addition to traditional bacon, you can also cook a variety of other types of bacon in your air fryer, including:

• Turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
• Canadian bacon: Canadian bacon is a type of back bacon that is cured and smoked.
• Pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured and air-dried.

Cleaning the Air Fryer

After you’re finished cooking bacon in your air fryer, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. This will help to prevent grease buildup and keep your air fryer in good working condition.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I cook frozen bacon in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an air fryer. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent bacon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: To prevent bacon from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Q: Can I reheat bacon in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can reheat bacon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.